Video shows what led up to Chicago shooting at Douglass Park that killed Marjay Dotson, injured Laquan McDonald's cousin
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — New video shows what led up to a deadly shooting at a popular West Side park last week.

CWB Chicago shared surveillance video it obtained of the shooting just after 7 p.m. Thursday at Douglass Park.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The video shows the teens walking near Charles Leto, 55, a Chicago Park District lifeguard, and his bike.

Leto is then seen getting up and pointing a gun at one of the teens.

There’s no sound on the video, and ABC7 Chicago froze the video before the gunfire begins.

Marjay Dotson, 15, was killed and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, the cousin of Laquan McDonald, is still in the hospital.

Prosecutors say the Marine veteran purposely targeted the boys.

Leto’s defense attorney argued that the shootings were a reaction to provocation, as Leto acted in self-defense after the teenagers allegedly threatened him and expressed intent to steal his bicycle.

The lawyer mentioned that her client, a highly honored veteran, continued his employment at the park despite previous incidents that she claims prompted several other lifeguards to resign.

Leto’s lawyer claims the teens had already damaged his bike when they tried to steal it.

Leto’s attorneys also said he is a dedicated advocate for preserving Douglass Pool as an important community resource.

Officials reported that Leto shot at the teenagers following an exchange with a third teenager who was displeased about the pool’s closure. The third teenager was not harmed during the incident.

Leto has a concealed-carry license, but prosecutors say he violated park district policy, by bringing that gun to work.

Leto accused of shooting dogs in 2023

A Lakeview woman said Monday that Leto also shot her dogs, killing one, in 2023.

Oakie is a roughly 5-year-old Lab mix.

He seems a bit older than his years, as he had to endure five surgeries after he was shot four times.

Oakie’s owner says she saw the person who shot her dogs two years ago in the news again.

“All I know it that he killed my dog and tried to kill the other one and apparently he’s still on a hunt, shot two helpless teenager boys, which is disgusting,” Jacqui Korvas Michels said.

In February of 2023, Chicago Police SWAT teams responded to 1000 W. George St. A gunman shot two dogs. One dog died.

According to a police report obtained by the ABC-7 I-Team, a man by the same name, listed at the same address as the Douglass Park shooting suspect was involved in the shooting of two dogs in 2023 in Lakeview.

The dogs’ owner also identified the shooter as the same Charles Leto accused in the Douglass Park shooting.

The 2023 report described Leto “in fear of his life.” Leto had a concealed-carry license, and was not charged.

“It was very consistent. When he shot my dogs, how he felt threatened, they are not threatening,” Korvas Michels said. “Those boys weren’t threatening anybody; they were running away. That’s sick. How do you rationalize shooting dogs and children?”

Leto has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery and discharge of a firearm.

He had his first court appearance Sunday, where he was ordered detained, pending trial. A judge said he showed a lack of judgment and is a danger to the community.

The Chicago Park District has put Leto on an unpaid, emergency suspension.

He’s due back in court Tuesday.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Dems Cry ‘Voter Intimidation’ as DOJ Deploys Election Monitors to CA, NJ

DOJ Sends Election Monitors to California and New Jersey Amidst Voter Intimidation Concerns

The Department of Justice revealed on Friday its plan to deploy election…
‘Narco-banners’ reportedly threaten Americans in vacation hot spot where cartels rule like mafia: expert

Narco-Banner Warnings: Cartel Threats Target American Tourists in Popular Vacation Destinations

Recent reports of alleged “narco-banners” warning Americans to steer clear of Mexico’s…
Clifford Proctor, LAPD officer at one time, charged with murder in 2015 Venice shooting of unarmed homeless man Brendan Glenn

Former LAPD Officer Faces Murder Charges in 2015 Shooting of Unarmed Homeless Man in Venice

LOS ANGELES — A former Los Angeles police officer has been indicted…
US Navy Sea Hawk helicopter, F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet go down in separate South China Sea incidents

US Navy Faces Dual Aircraft Incidents: Sea Hawk Helicopter and F/A-18F Super Hornet Crash in South China Sea

In a day marked by unexpected challenges, two aircraft from the USS…
Chicago-area immigration activity: Video shows federal agents break car window, detain occupants in Addison; protest held

Federal Agents Detain Individuals in Addison Following Car Window Breach; Sparks Protest in Chicago Area

In Addison, Illinois, a wave of protest swept through a section of…
F/A-18, Sea Hawk helicopter crash in South China Sea in separate incidents

F/A-18 Jet and Sea Hawk Helicopter Crashes in South China Sea: Unrelated Incidents Raise Concerns

In two separate incidents on Sunday, a Navy fighter jet and a…
Ravens-Bears game today: Baltimore Ravens defeat Chicago Bears 30-16

Ravens Soar Over Bears: Baltimore Clinches Dominant 30-16 Victory – Game Highlights & Analysis

In an impressive display on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens secured a commanding…
Milei scores historic win in Argentina midterms, tightens grip on Congress

Milei Achieves Landmark Victory in Argentina Midterms, Strengthens Congressional Influence

In a significant political shift, Argentine President Javier Milei achieved a commanding…
Katy Perry, Justin Trudeau spotted holding hands in Paris

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Seen Holding Hands in Paris

In a romantic twist that has captivated the public’s attention, pop sensation…
The Latest: What’s in store for the AP Top 25

Breaking Down the Future of the AP Top 25 Rankings

Anticipate minimal changes at the peak of the AP Top 25 rankings,…
Former Vice President Kamala Harris leaves door open for 2028 presidential run, according to new BBC interview

In a recent BBC interview, Former Vice President Kamala Harris hints at potential 2028 presidential bid.

WASHINGTON — Kamala Harris is keeping her options open for another potential…
Dublin protesters clash with police, burn vehicle after migrant accused of sexually assaulting Irish girl

Dublin Protests Erupt into Violence Following Allegations of Sexual Assault by Migrant

In a tense escalation of unrest, a police car was set ablaze…